The Supreme Council of Imams and Islamic Affairs of Brazil was established in Brazil in 2005. It aims to establish a unified legal Islamic authority representing Muslims in Brazil and recognized by Brazilian authorities and by Islamic institutions from across the Muslim world. It counts over 60 clerics and preachers from different regions of the country as members.
In July 2022, the Council issued a fatwa endorsing the view that UNHCR is eligible to receive Zakat funds from Muslims in Brazil and Latin America and to distribute them to refugees, as long as no administrative expenses are deducted. This is in line with the Refugee Zakat Fund’s long-established 100% Zakat distribution policy.